Zero Turn Mowers: What You Need to Know

When it comes to garden equipment, the zero turn mower is becoming an increasingly popular option for many Australian homeowners. The zero turn is a type of ride on mower which features castor wheels on the front which are capable of rotating 360 degrees and two larger standard wheels at the rear which provide the power. The rotating front wheels provide a high level of manoeuvrability which means it can quickly mow the lawn which surrounds any bushes, trees, garden walls or flower beds. If you are thinking about purchasing a ride on mower, it is important that you understand how to get the most out of this fantastic bit of gardening kit.

Master the controls

When you first sit down on your zero turn mower, you may be slightly confused by the controls. The majority of zero turn mowers do not feature a steering wheel. Instead, the machine will have two handles. Each one of these handles controls one of the rear wheels. If you push both handles forward at the same time, you will move forward as both sets of rear wheels spin. If you pull them both back, the mower will reverse. If you press one handle forward and leave the other in neutral, you will slowly begin to turn. However, if you press one handle forward and one handle backwards, you will spin around on the spot. This ability to turn on the spot is what gives this piece of equipment its name - zero turn. You should practice operating the mower on a large open section of ground so you can master the controls before attempting more intricate manoeuvres.

Consider the terrain

It is important to remember that a zero turn mower is designed to be operated on relatively flat ground and gentle slopes. If you attempt to use your zero turn mower on a steep piece of ground, you may find it very difficult to steer the machine. If this is the case, you should opt to use a traditional mower on these parts of your garden.

Add attachments 

Zero turn mowers are available with a range of attachments which will help to increase the functionality of the machine. For example, you may choose to use a bag attachment which will allow you to collect any grass cuttings once the mowing is completed. You can also add a metal blade to the front of the mower which will help you to clear any leaves and other debris from the surface of your garden.

If you would like further advice about zero turn mowers, you should contact a garden equipment company today.